Viewers seeking a gripping historical epic can now stream The Last Emperor, a film celebrated as a “masterpiece” and one of the greatest movies ever made. This 1987 biographical drama, available on Prime Video, boasts an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 88% audience score on the Popcornmeter.
Rave Audience Reviews
Audiences praise the movie’s stunning visuals and true-story foundation. One viewer awarded it 5/5 stars, declaring: “The best movie I have ever seen.” They added, “It’s a spectacularly beautiful film,” noting its portrayal of China’s cultural shifts over a billion people’s lives.
Another gave 4/5 stars, calling it a “humane masterpiece” that brings real events to life. They highlighted the finale: “The final scene’s beauty perfectly concluded one’s life story… symbolically poetic along the respectful lines that only film form could artistically deliver.”
A top review raved: “Absolutely loved it! One of my favourite movies, I strongly recommend it.” A five-star commenter enthused: “Amazing historical film with a superb wardrobe, filmography, scenography… It is a film that everyone should watch.”
The Story of China’s Last Emperor
The Last Emperor chronicles the life of Puyi, China’s final emperor. Adapted from his 1964 autobiography, the film traces his journey from infancy to the throne, through political imprisonment, and eventual rehabilitation by the Chinese Communist Party. Flashbacks unfold from his 1950s incarceration amid China’s transformative early 20th-century changes.
Production made history as the first feature filmed inside Beijing’s Forbidden City before it opened to tourists.
Star Cast and Performances
John Lone portrays Puyi, earning a Golden Globe nomination. The ensemble features Peter O’Toole, Joan Chen, Ying Ruocheng, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, Vivian Wu, Lisa Lu, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Sweeping Awards Success
At the 60th Academy Awards, the film secured all nine nominations, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also claimed three BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, and a Grammy for its score.
The Last Emperor streams now on Prime Video.
